“After careful consideration and discussions with my family,” he began, his tone calm but firm, “I have decided that it’s time for me to retire.” Gasps rippled through the room. Some Alphas and Lunas exchanged stunned glances, while others simply froze. Under the table, Alexander reached for my han
"Make a move against him." The words made my heart stutter, leaving me nearly breathless. My chest tightened, and for a moment, the room seemed to spin. Alexander’s hand was on my shoulder suddenly, grounding me. His steady voice broke through the fog as he thanked the king. I opened my mouth, tr
Ella POV The rest of the day was consumed by phone calls and texting, especially with Elizabeth. She had known, of course, that her father planned to announce his retirement, but she hadn’t been able to say anything beforehand. Now, she was eager to talk about it with someone. Her father had been
“And you’re prepared for what that’s going to entail?” she asked, her concern evident in her voice. “Yes,” I said firmly. “I know it won’t be easy, but we’ve discussed this before our marriage. I knew what I was signing up for.” “Well, I’m glad to hear that,” Elizabeth said warmly. “Just know that
Ella POV I woke the next morning to find I was still alone in the apartment. Fear gripped my heart as I rushed out of the bedroom, hoping to find Alexander on the couch. But it was empty too. A note lay on the coffee table, one that hadn’t been there the night before. I picked it up, my hands tre
A small, irrational part of me wanted to turn around and walk out, but that would be ridiculous. Instead, I stepped up to the counter and focused on placing my order: the usual drinks for James and me. I’d hoped Fiona wouldn’t notice me. No such luck. “Ella!” she called out, her voice bright with
Ella POV “You’re back,” Alexander said as I walked into the apartment, his voice warm but tinged with curiosity. “Yes, sorry I’m late for lunch,” I replied, setting my bag down. “My coffee outing ran long. I ran into Fiona at the café, and we got to talking.” “That’s good,” Alexander said, watchi
Ella POV The next evening, I found myself back in my home pack’s territory, sitting in my father’s office. It felt strange being here after so long, especially given the change in circumstances, but there was something comforting about it. Alexander had been unable to attend the meeting due to an
She trembled—barely noticeable, but I could feel it, see the way her body stiffened. Diana wasn’t one to show fear, but it was there now. Her eyes widened, though she tried to hide it behind a mask of defiance.She opened her mouth to speak, but her words faltered as she seemed to reconsider. Her ha
Ella POVIt took a while for August to calm down enough to leave. He wouldn’t give me any more information than he already had, but it did seem like he felt a little better now that he wasn’t the only one aware of the gravity of the situation.I was still standing in the doorway where I had spoken t
“I can’t,” he said weakly, his voice choked by tears.“Why?” I asked, frustrated.He looked away from me and I realized that I already knew the answer to that question. “Alexander is keeping something from me,” I said softly.He nodded, but couldn’t seem to meet my eyes.I could only imagine how har
Ella POVAugust paced across the living room, his brows drawn together in frustration. The tension in the room was thick.He and Alexander had a huge fight just a short while ago. I wasn’t in the room when it happened, but I could hear them shouting. I couldn’t make out any of the words, but it was
“I–” Sabrina looked at Lexie and sighed softly. “I’m very grateful. We’d be happy to stay with you until we’re able to find a safe place of our own.”My father smiled brightly. “Wonderful. We’ll be very happy to have you.”Overwhelmed with gratitude, I reached for his hand. “Dad…thank you. I didn’t
Ella POVThe warm glow of the restaurant’s chandeliers cast a golden hue over the elegantly set tables.I sat beside Alexander, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my wine glass as I watched Lexie beam with pure delight. The little girl twirled in her chair, the soft pink dress Alexander h
Alexander’s gaze softened as he considered the offer. “That… might actually be the best solution.” He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you’re thinking about her like this.”I squeezed his hand. “She’s important to you. That makes her imp
Ella POVThe bustling noise of the shopping center’s food court was drown out by the sound of Lexie’s excited voice. Her tray of food was mostly ignored in favor of conversation.Her bright blue eyes were filled with excitement as she rattled off every thought that came to her mind.“And then the pr
Alexander blinked in surprise, obviously caught off guard. "Alright,” he said. “Let’s play."I watched as Alexander followed Lexie into the play area, my chest tightening with emotion. I could see it so clearly—the bond forming between them, the way Alexander was already looking at Lexie like she wa